Austerity Grip: Violent protests break out in Brazil over water company privatization

Military police fired tear gas against protesters in Rio de Janeiro, Thursday, after a protest against the proposed privatisation of public water company Cia Estadual de Aguas e Esgotos (CEDAE) turned violent. The protest, which started outside the state legislator, escalated as masked protesters proceeded to throw rocks and Molotov cocktails at police personnel as well as vandalise properties in the area. Military police squad responded with tear gas and stun grenades as well as use of pepper spray. Brazil’s federal government has been encouraging highly indebted states like Rio de Janeiro to raise money by selling state assets whilst voting through austerity measures.